US20240056024A1 - Photovoltaic module and a method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Photovoltaic module and a method of manufacturing the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20240056024A1 US20240056024A1 US18/264,957 US202218264957A US2024056024A1 US 20240056024 A1 US20240056024 A1 US 20240056024A1 US 202218264957 A US202218264957 A US 202218264957A US 2024056024 A1 US2024056024 A1 US 2024056024A1
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000002800 charge carrier Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010292 electrical insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005669 field effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
- H01L31/044—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells including bypass diodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/30—Electrical components
- H02S40/34—Electrical components comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
- H01L31/05—Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells
- H01L31/0504—Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells specially adapted for series or parallel connection of solar cells in a module
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a photovoltaic module and to a method for its manufacture and, in particular, to a connection scheme for photovoltaic cells (solar cells) with bypass diodes.
- FIG. 4 shows an exemplary conventional connection of solar cells 405 with bypass diodes 430 , wherein the solar cells 405 (or half-cells) are connected in such a way that during operation a meandering current flow I 1 , I 2 , . . . results between a first terminal 41 and a second terminal 42 .
- the solar cells 405 are serially connected in a plurality of cell rows 410 , 420 , 430 , . . . 460 .
- the cell rows perpendicular to the current direction I 1 , I 2 , . . . are arranged side by side, with adjacent cell rows 410 , 420 comprising an opposite current direction I 1 , I 2 .
- the bypass diodes 430 bypass the adjacent cell rows 410 , 420 of opposite current directions I 1 , I 2 .
- a bypass diode 430 bridges four cell rows of solar cells 405 each, two cell rows vertically above and two cell rows vertically below the bypass diode 430 .
- This conventional interconnection has the disadvantage that relatively large sections of the photovoltaic module are bridged by one bypass diode 430 . In particular, these sections extend over the entire vertical height of the photovoltaic module. Shading causes a cell row to shut down when it reaches a relevant size. Due to the described relatively large sections, the electrical power of the photovoltaic module reduces relatively strong in the case of such shading. Another effect is that the electrical power of the cell row subject to shading is consumed by the bypass diode within the cell row. This can result in heat generation in the shaded cell(s) (i.e., the cells that are in the shade). This heat generation is largely dependent on the size of the shading as well as the electrical output of a photovoltaic module. Since the modules are not only getting bigger, but also more powerful, a shading of one cell can already result in a very large heat development.
- the present invention relates to a photovoltaic module including a plurality of cell rows of serially connected photovoltaic cells (solar cells) and one or more bypass components.
- the cell rows are arranged adjacent to each other perpendicular to a current direction that is formed during operation of the series-connected photovoltaic cells and are connected such that at least two adjacent cell rows comprise a same current direction.
- the bypass components bridge at least one of the adjacent cell rows of the same current direction.
- the adjacent cell rows can be connected in parallel with one another.
- a current direction is to be understood as a straight line along which the cell rows of photovoltaic cells are arranged and connected in series, thus indicating the main current direction. At the ends of the cell rows, the direction of the current is diverted and the current then runs in the opposite direction.
- adjacent cell rows is understood that no further solar cells are arranged between these cell rows and ideally the solar cells are adjoined to each other. Apart from electrical insulation, no gap should be formed. Therefore, the multiple rows are optionally arranged adjacent to each other without any gap.
- the one or more bypass components are housed in a laminate together with the cell rows of the photovoltaic module or in a separate box.
- the box may be an external box (e.g., a junction box or junction socket) that is attached to the laminate or to an optional frame.
- the bypass component may include at least one of the following:
- bypass component a diode is most often used as bypass component. It is understood that in all embodiments, the exemplary bypass diode may be replaced by another bypass component.
- the exemplary bypass diodes are arranged next to each other (e.g., at an equal vertical height). For example, they can be arranged selectively in a specific area, such as the central area or the edge area, of the photovoltaic module. Since the connection lines for the bypass diodes can be laid as desired, all bypass diodes of a photovoltaic module can also be integrated centrally in one connection box.
- the bypass diodes are arranged on a rear side of the photovoltaic module, i.e. opposite to the direction of light incidence.
- the bypass diodes can also be arranged anti-parallel to the current direction of the at least two adjacent cell rows of the same current direction. Anti-parallel connection means that the bypass diodes are connected in reverse direction along the current direction. Therefore, the bypass diodes do not carry current during normal operation, but only during exemplary shading when a large voltage drop occurs, whereby the shaded solar cells are protected.
- the photovoltaic module includes at least one connection point or junction box (or junction socket) in a corner area or in another area of the photovoltaic module to electrically connect the photovoltaic module.
- connection point or junction box or junction socket
- the bypass diodes are already integrated into the laminate, only one connection point needs to be formed as a contact point to electrically contact the photovoltaic module there.
- bypass diodes With this interconnection of the bypass diodes, it is possible to partition the photovoltaic module as desired. For example, any number of cell rows can be arranged perpendicular to the current direction and/or any number of cell rows can be arranged in the current direction. In this way, areas of any size can be switched off by a bypass diode.
- the photovoltaic cells are half-cells (or other subdivisions) manufactured by a separation process of a whole photovoltaic cell.
- the photovoltaic cell may have any shape (for example, square or non-square shapes).
- the photovoltaic cells can be electrically connected in series with connectors. However, they can also lie with their edges on top of each other for contacting (so-called shingling).
- the number of cell rows and cells/half cells within a cell row can be chosen arbitrarily.
- Embodiments also relate to a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module.
- the method includes:
- FIG. 1 shows the circuitry of a photovoltaic module with bypass diodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuitry of solar cell groups with bypass diodes according to a further embodiment.
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram for a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 4 shows a photovoltaic module with conventionally arranged bypass diodes.
- FIG. 1 shows a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment comprising a plurality of cell rows 110 , 120 , 210 , 220 of serially connected photovoltaic cells 105 and a plurality of bypass diodes 130 , 230 , . . . , connected between a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12 .
- the cell rows 110 , 120 , . . . are arranged adjacent to each other perpendicular to a current direction I 1 which is formed in the series-connected photovoltaic cells 105 during operation and connected in such a way that at least two adjacent cell rows 110 , 120 comprise a same current direction I 1 .
- a first cell row 110 is arranged in parallel with another first cell row 120 , with a first current direction I 1 being generated in operation in the two first cell rows 110 , 120 .
- two second cell rows 210 , 220 of solar cells 105 are connected in parallel with each other and serially connected to the two first cell rows 110 , 120 via an intermediate connector 115 .
- the serially connected cell rows 110 , 120 and 210 , 220 form groups 100 of cell rows.
- two further groups of parallel-connected cell rows 310 , 320 and 410 , 420 are formed via a crosslink 150 .
- This interconnection of solar cells 105 is repeated.
- the electrical crosslink 150 has redirected the second current flow direction I 2 so that the second current direction I 2 through the second group of cell rows 310 , 320 or 410 , 420 is opposite to the first (anti-) parallel current direction I 1 through the first group of cell rows 110 , 120 or 210 , 220 .
- the solar cells 105 are oppositely arranged (or oppositely poled).
- the number of solar cells 105 within a cell array 110 , 120 , . . . can be chosen arbitrarily.
- more than two cell rows 110 , 120 , . . . may be connected in parallel and/or more than two groups of cells 100 may be connected in series.
- the photovoltaic module can be arbitrarily divided into regions that can be switched off by a bypass diode 130 , 230 , . . . . This is not possible with the conventional photovoltaic modules of FIG. 4 , since there the cell rows extend over half the module height or over the full module height.
- a first bypass diode 130 bypasses the adjacent first cell rows 110 , 120 , both having the first (same) current direction I 1 .
- a second bypass diode 230 bypasses the adjacent second cell rows 210 , 220 in the subsequent group of cell rows 210 , 220 , where the two second cell rows 210 , 220 also have the same current direction I 1 as the first two cell rows 110 , 120 .
- the current direction does not change, but the sections can be accommodated in the module in a meandering manner. Perpendicular to the current direction I 1 , the arrangement is continued by the meander-shaped arrangement of the cell rows mirror-inverted (the mirror plane is perpendicular to the current direction), so that all cell rows are connected in series and fill the whole module area sensibly.
- embodiments differ fundamentally from the conventional photovoltaic modules shown in FIG. 4 , where the bypass diodes bridge cell rows with mirrored opposite current directions.
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of groups 100 , 200 , . . . 600 of cell rows 110 between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 , as they may be arranged on a photovoltaic module according to embodiment.
- Each group 100 , 200 , . . . of cell rows 110 includes two or more cell rows 110 of photovoltaic cells 105 connected in parallel (see also FIG. 1 ).
- the groups of cell rows 100 , 200 , . . . are all serially connected, with exemplary two serially connected groups 100 , 200 (or 300 and 400 or 500 and 600 ) shown in the vertical direction and exemplary three groups shown side by side in the horizontal direction.
- the serial interconnection of all groups 100 , 200 , . . . is ensured via the crosslinks 150 .
- this embodiment represents only one example.
- more than two cell rows within a group 100 , 200 , . . . may be connected in parallel.
- more than three groups are arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction, or that more or less than two groups of cell rows can be arranged in the vertical direction.
- the bypass diodes 130 , 230 are arranged on a rear side of the photovoltaic module, wherein the corresponding contacting points are routed to the rear side via lines.
- the bypass diodes 130 , 130 are accommodated, for example, in only one housing (e.g., the junction box).
- the bypass diodes 130 , 230 can be arranged at any position on the rear side, and it is advantageous to arrange them at least along one line (side by side).
- no space is formed between the cell rows 110 or the groups 100 , 200 , . . . in order to be able to use light irradiation on the front side to the maximum.
- the cell rows 110 , . . . or the groups 100 , 200 , . . . can, for example, abut each other except for an insulation.
- the photovoltaic cells 105 are electrically connected in series via connectors 107 .
- the photovoltaic cells 105 are placed on top of each other at the edges and thus serially connected by means of shingles in order to utilize an available area to the maximum and to enable simple manufacturing.
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic flowchart for a method of manufacturing the photovoltaic module. The method includes:
- Embodiments provide the following advantages, among others:
- Very large photovoltaic modules with very high outputs can be switched off in sections in a targeted manner. This provides maximum protection for the photovoltaic cells.
- the number of cells protected by a bypass diode 130 , 230 , . . . can be selected almost arbitrarily. In the specific case, an acceptable compromise is to be found between a high level of protection for the cells and the expense with regard to the additional bypass diodes.
- embodiments allow all cells within a cell row 110 , 120 , . . . to be protected in a simple manner.
- a major disadvantage of conventional photovoltaic modules is that the cell rows to be protected extend at least over half the module height.
- the photovoltaic module can be partitioned into protection areas as desired.
- embodiments are readily implementable because lines can be readily formed on the backside to bridge the diodes between the parallel cell rows.
Abstract
A photovoltaic module includes several cell rows of serially connected photovoltaic cells and one or more bypass components. The cell rows are arranged next to each other perpendicular to a current direction which is formed in the serially connected photovoltaic cells during operation and are connected in such a way that at least two adjacent cell rows comprise the same current direction. The one or more bypass components bypass at least one of the adjacent cell rows of the same current direction.
Description
- The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/052964, filed Feb. 8, 2022, which claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10 2021 103 099.4, filed Feb. 10, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module and to a method for its manufacture and, in particular, to a connection scheme for photovoltaic cells (solar cells) with bypass diodes.
- When exposed to sunlight, solar cells generate free charge carriers that allow current to flow through the solar cell. If shading occurs, no charge carriers are released in the shaded solar cells, so that the current flow is interrupted there, or a higher resistance occurs. If the other solar cells, which are connected in series with the shaded solar cell, continue to produce current, this leads to increased heat generation and, in extreme cases, to destruction of the corresponding solar cells. To avoid this, so-called bypass diodes are formed to bypass the cells with high resistance so that these cells are protected. When sufficient light energy is available again, more charge carriers are released and the bypass diodes lock again.
-
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary conventional connection ofsolar cells 405 withbypass diodes 430, wherein the solar cells 405 (or half-cells) are connected in such a way that during operation a meandering current flow I1, I2, . . . results between afirst terminal 41 and asecond terminal 42. Specifically, thesolar cells 405 are serially connected in a plurality ofcell rows adjacent cell rows bypass diodes 430 bypass theadjacent cell rows - Mirror-symmetrically to this interconnection of
cell rows second terminal bypass diode 430 bridges four cell rows ofsolar cells 405 each, two cell rows vertically above and two cell rows vertically below thebypass diode 430. In the example shown inFIG. 4 , there are a total of threebypass diodes 430 bridging 156 solar cells or half cells in 12 cell rows, as an example. - This conventional interconnection has the disadvantage that relatively large sections of the photovoltaic module are bridged by one
bypass diode 430. In particular, these sections extend over the entire vertical height of the photovoltaic module. Shading causes a cell row to shut down when it reaches a relevant size. Due to the described relatively large sections, the electrical power of the photovoltaic module reduces relatively strong in the case of such shading. Another effect is that the electrical power of the cell row subject to shading is consumed by the bypass diode within the cell row. This can result in heat generation in the shaded cell(s) (i.e., the cells that are in the shade). This heat generation is largely dependent on the size of the shading as well as the electrical output of a photovoltaic module. Since the modules are not only getting bigger, but also more powerful, a shading of one cell can already result in a very large heat development. - Therefore, there is a need for photovoltaic modules that can bridge flexible, smaller areas with bypass diodes.
- At least part of the above problems is solved by a photovoltaic module according to claim 1 and a method for its manufacture according to claim 8. The dependent claims relate to advantageous further embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.
- The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module including a plurality of cell rows of serially connected photovoltaic cells (solar cells) and one or more bypass components. The cell rows are arranged adjacent to each other perpendicular to a current direction that is formed during operation of the series-connected photovoltaic cells and are connected such that at least two adjacent cell rows comprise a same current direction. The bypass components bridge at least one of the adjacent cell rows of the same current direction. In particular, the adjacent cell rows can be connected in parallel with one another.
- In the context of the present invention, a current direction is to be understood as a straight line along which the cell rows of photovoltaic cells are arranged and connected in series, thus indicating the main current direction. At the ends of the cell rows, the direction of the current is diverted and the current then runs in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the term adjacent cell rows is understood that no further solar cells are arranged between these cell rows and ideally the solar cells are adjoined to each other. Apart from electrical insulation, no gap should be formed. Therefore, the multiple rows are optionally arranged adjacent to each other without any gap.
- Optionally, the one or more bypass components are housed in a laminate together with the cell rows of the photovoltaic module or in a separate box. The box may be an external box (e.g., a junction box or junction socket) that is attached to the laminate or to an optional frame. The bypass component may include at least one of the following:
-
- a bypass diode,
- a transistor (e.g. a field effect transistor like a MOSFET),
- an electronic circuit (e.g. a current or voltage regulator for setting a defined current or voltage).
- Although the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, in the following a diode is most often used as bypass component. It is understood that in all embodiments, the exemplary bypass diode may be replaced by another bypass component.
- Optionally, perpendicular to the direction of current, the exemplary bypass diodes are arranged next to each other (e.g., at an equal vertical height). For example, they can be arranged selectively in a specific area, such as the central area or the edge area, of the photovoltaic module. Since the connection lines for the bypass diodes can be laid as desired, all bypass diodes of a photovoltaic module can also be integrated centrally in one connection box. Advantageously, the bypass diodes are arranged on a rear side of the photovoltaic module, i.e. opposite to the direction of light incidence.
- The bypass diodes can also be arranged anti-parallel to the current direction of the at least two adjacent cell rows of the same current direction. Anti-parallel connection means that the bypass diodes are connected in reverse direction along the current direction. Therefore, the bypass diodes do not carry current during normal operation, but only during exemplary shading when a large voltage drop occurs, whereby the shaded solar cells are protected.
- Optionally, the photovoltaic module includes at least one connection point or junction box (or junction socket) in a corner area or in another area of the photovoltaic module to electrically connect the photovoltaic module. For example, if the bypass diodes are already integrated into the laminate, only one connection point needs to be formed as a contact point to electrically contact the photovoltaic module there.
- With this interconnection of the bypass diodes, it is possible to partition the photovoltaic module as desired. For example, any number of cell rows can be arranged perpendicular to the current direction and/or any number of cell rows can be arranged in the current direction. In this way, areas of any size can be switched off by a bypass diode.
- Optionally, the photovoltaic cells are half-cells (or other subdivisions) manufactured by a separation process of a whole photovoltaic cell. Thus, the photovoltaic cell may have any shape (for example, square or non-square shapes). Within a cell row, the photovoltaic cells can be electrically connected in series with connectors. However, they can also lie with their edges on top of each other for contacting (so-called shingling). The number of cell rows and cells/half cells within a cell row can be chosen arbitrarily.
- Embodiments also relate to a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module. The method includes:
-
- forming a plurality of cell rows of serially connected photovoltaic cells, the cell rows being arranged adjacent to each other perpendicular to a current direction formed through the serially connected photovoltaic cells during operation and connected such that at least two adjacent cell rows comprise a same current direction; and
- bridging at least one of the adjacent cell rows of the same current direction by means of one or more bypass diodes.
- All previously mentioned features of the photovoltaic module can be implemented as further optional process steps.
- The embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to the specific embodiments, but are merely for explanation and understanding.
-
FIG. 1 shows the circuitry of a photovoltaic module with bypass diodes according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuitry of solar cell groups with bypass diodes according to a further embodiment. -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram for a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 4 shows a photovoltaic module with conventionally arranged bypass diodes. -
FIG. 1 shows a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment comprising a plurality ofcell rows photovoltaic cells 105 and a plurality ofbypass diodes first terminal 11 and asecond terminal 12. Thecell rows photovoltaic cells 105 during operation and connected in such a way that at least twoadjacent cell rows - Specifically, a
first cell row 110 is arranged in parallel with anotherfirst cell row 120, with a first current direction I1 being generated in operation in the twofirst cell rows second cell rows solar cells 105 are connected in parallel with each other and serially connected to the twofirst cell rows intermediate connector 115. The serially connectedcell rows form groups 100 of cell rows. - Perpendicular to the first current direction I1, two further groups of parallel-
connected cell rows crosslink 150. This interconnection ofsolar cells 105 is repeated. However, theelectrical crosslink 150 has redirected the second current flow direction I2 so that the second current direction I2 through the second group ofcell rows cell rows solar cells 105 are oppositely arranged (or oppositely poled). - It is understood that, according to embodiments, the number of
solar cells 105 within acell array cell rows cells 100 may be connected in series. In this way, the photovoltaic module can be arbitrarily divided into regions that can be switched off by abypass diode FIG. 4 , since there the cell rows extend over half the module height or over the full module height. - According to embodiments, a
first bypass diode 130 bypasses the adjacentfirst cell rows second bypass diode 230 bypasses the adjacentsecond cell rows cell rows second cell rows cell rows - Thus, embodiments differ fundamentally from the conventional photovoltaic modules shown in
FIG. 4 , where the bypass diodes bridge cell rows with mirrored opposite current directions. -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement ofgroups cell rows 110 between thefirst terminal 11 and thesecond terminal 12, as they may be arranged on a photovoltaic module according to embodiment. Eachgroup cell rows 110 includes two ormore cell rows 110 ofphotovoltaic cells 105 connected in parallel (see alsoFIG. 1 ). The groups ofcell rows connected groups 100, 200 (or 300 and 400 or 500 and 600) shown in the vertical direction and exemplary three groups shown side by side in the horizontal direction. The serial interconnection of allgroups crosslinks 150. - It is understood that this embodiment represents only one example. In further embodiments, more than two cell rows within a
group - According to an advantageous embodiment, the
bypass diodes bypass diodes bypass diodes - In addition, advantageously, no space is formed between the
cell rows 110 or thegroups cell rows 110, . . . or thegroups - According to embodiments, the
photovoltaic cells 105 are electrically connected in series viaconnectors 107. However, it is also possible that thephotovoltaic cells 105 are placed on top of each other at the edges and thus serially connected by means of shingles in order to utilize an available area to the maximum and to enable simple manufacturing. -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic flowchart for a method of manufacturing the photovoltaic module. The method includes: -
- Forming S110 a plurality of cell rows of serially connected photovoltaic cells, the cell rows being perpendicular to a current direction; and
- Bridging S120 of at least one of the adjacent cell rows of the same current direction I1 by means of one or more bypass diodes.
- It is understood that according to further embodiments all previously mentioned features of the photovoltaic module can be implemented as optional method steps in the method.
- Embodiments provide the following advantages, among others:
- Very large photovoltaic modules with very high outputs can be switched off in sections in a targeted manner. This provides maximum protection for the photovoltaic cells. The number of cells protected by a
bypass diode - In principle, embodiments allow all cells within a
cell row - Finally, embodiments are readily implementable because lines can be readily formed on the backside to bridge the diodes between the parallel cell rows.
- The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the figures may be essential to the realization of the invention either individually or in any combination.
-
-
- 11, 12 terminals
- 41, 42 terminals of a conventional photovoltaic module
- 105, 405 photovoltaic cells
- 100, 200, . . . groups of cell rows
- 110, 120, . . . , 410, 420, . . . cell rows of serially connected photovoltaic cells
- 107 connector
- 115 intermediate connector
- 130, 230, . . . bypass components (e.g. diodes)
- 150 crosslink
- 430 conventionally connected bypass diodes
- I1, I2, I3, . . . current directions
Claims (8)
1. A photovoltaic module, comprising:
a plurality of cell rows of serially-connected photovoltaic cells, wherein the cell rows are arranged adjacent to each other perpendicular to a current direction, which is formed in the serially connected photovoltaic cells during operation, and are connected in such a way that at least two adjacent cell rows comprise a same current direction;
one or more bypass components bridging at least one of the adjacent cell rows of the same current direction; and
only one junction box as contact point to electrically contact the photovoltaic module,
wherein the plurality of rows are arranged adjacent to each other without gaps and the bypass components are arranged opposite to a light incidence direction on a rear side of the photovoltaic module
wherein the one or more bypass components are housed in a laminate of the photovoltaic module with the cell rows or in a separate box and include at least one of the following:
a bypass diode,
a transistor, and
an electronic circuit.
2. (canceled)
3. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1 , wherein at least two cell rows with the same current direction are connected in series along the same current direction.
4. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1 , wherein the bypass components are arranged side by side perpendicular to the current direction.
5. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1 , wherein the bypass components are arranged anti-parallel to the current direction to at least two adjacent cell rows of the same current direction.
6. (canceled)
7. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one connection point or connection box in a corner region of the photovoltaic module for electrically connecting the photovoltaic module.
8. A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module, the method including:
forming a plurality of cell rows of serially-connected photovoltaic cells, the cell rows being arranged adjacent to each other perpendicular to a current direction formed through the serially-connected photovoltaic cells during operation and connected such that at least two adjacent cell rows comprise a same current direction; and
bridging, by means of one or more bypass components, of at least one of the adjacent cell rows of the same current direction,
wherein the plurality of rows are arranged adjacent to each other without gaps and the bypass components are arranged opposite to a light incidence direction on a rear side of the photovoltaic module,
wherein the photovoltaic module is electrically contacted only by one junction box as contact point,
wherein the one or more bypass components are housed in a laminate of the photovoltaic module with the cell rows and include at least one of the following: a bypass diode, a transistor, and an electronic circuit.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102021103099.4 | 2021-02-10 | ||
DE102021103099.4A DE102021103099A1 (en) | 2021-02-10 | 2021-02-10 | Photovoltaic module and a method for its manufacture |
PCT/EP2022/052964 WO2022171602A1 (en) | 2021-02-10 | 2022-02-08 | Photovoltaic module and method for producing same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240056024A1 true US20240056024A1 (en) | 2024-02-15 |
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EP (1) | EP4292135A1 (en) |
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JP2009200445A (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-09-03 | Sharp Corp | Photovoltaic power-generation system |
DE102011055754B4 (en) * | 2011-06-01 | 2022-12-29 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Solar cell module and method for connecting solar cells |
CN110828591B (en) * | 2015-08-18 | 2023-05-02 | 迈可晟太阳能有限公司 | Solar panel |
CN109301010A (en) * | 2018-02-10 | 2019-02-01 | 隆基绿能科技股份有限公司 | Two-sided photovoltaic module |
CN211480048U (en) | 2020-02-11 | 2020-09-11 | 苏州阿特斯阳光电力科技有限公司 | Photovoltaic module |
CN211929508U (en) | 2020-06-18 | 2020-11-13 | 浙江正泰太阳能科技有限公司 | Photovoltaic module |
CN111739968A (en) | 2020-06-28 | 2020-10-02 | 天合光能股份有限公司 | Slicing photovoltaic module |
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CN116918077A (en) | 2023-10-20 |
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